shudder 1 of 2

Definition of shuddernext
as in shiver
an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

shudder

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shudder
Noun
Do not get engaged at 21 (Belly and Jeremiah again, with the tiny ring that made TikTok shudder). Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025 The details of this feat, performed before a crowd in downtown Phoenix, still make those with acrophobia shudder. Douglas C. Towne, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
In a time where layoffs are much higher than average, the thought of throwing a holiday party or giving employee gifts may make some executives shudder. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025 Then, that all shuddered to a halt in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shudder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shudder
Noun
  • For more cold-climate shivers also see Finnish Weird, a quirky and often surprisingly spooky literary trove from the lands of the midnight sun.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
  • Just hearing ‘set piece’ sends a shiver down Liverpool supporters’ spines.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Light shaking was detected, and people in several cities - including Hercules, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Fremont - reported feeling the tremor, according to the USGS DYFI report.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Trim the dead parts, shake the soil off, and store them in a cool, dark location where they are protected from the cold.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Furman is one of a kind: a trans, devoutly Jewish former rabbinical student who’s written a book about Lou Reed and sings folk-punk songs in a mercurial tremble.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • Valeria leaves guard duties to Ellen, a grandmother with a constant tremble in her hands from her MS.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Aisha jerked and opened her eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That jerking motion, combined with detergent and water, loosens dirt from the surfaces of clothing.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Audiences are already quivering with anticip— ation.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
  • A-fib is an irregular, quivering or often rapid heart rhythm resulting from the heart’s upper chambers, the atria, beating out of sync with the lower chambers, the ventricles.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From vibrating steering wheels, haptic smartwatches, and even gaming controllers.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The vibrating bristles of this electric version can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shudder. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shudder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!